Destination Outback 2016: Over $38,000 raised for rural health

Posted September 6th, 2016.

On 12th August, FDC’s Sean Gibbeson and Matt Hawkins embarked on an nine-day journey through the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Australian Outback to raise money for two very worthy charities, the Black Dog Institute and the Pink Angels.

Sean and Matt, together with participants from Cromwell Property Group raised $38,500, through vehicle sponsorships and voluntary donations. This was nearly double the original goal of $20,000 and two rural health charities, The Black Dog Institute and Pink Angels, will each receive $29,250 from the Foundation.

Black Dog Institute aims to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness, including those in regional and rural areas, and Pink Angels supports Breast Cancer patients in the Dubbo region.

Destination Outback is a biennial charity event organised by the Rotary Club of Dubbo South. The week-long journey in August covers over 3,400 kilometres and visits some of Australia’s most rural areas. Since its inception Destination Outback has raised over $1.9 million dollars for various rural charities, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service being the primary beneficiary.

Cromwell CEO Paul Weightman stated “Destination Outback is a rewarding experience and a unique opportunity to explore Australia’s outback and appreciate life’s basics. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s journey and thank everyone involved for making it so worthwhile. To raise over $38,000 for these two charities is outstanding. The Black Dog Institute and Pink Angels do such valuable work and we are proud to be able to support them. Thank you to our fundraising partner FDC, and all the companies and individuals who have generously donated and sponsored our vehicles. Their generous support will make a difference,” he added.